Rio de Janeiro Vacations

Rio de Janeiro or "Rio" as it is also known is Brazil's 2nd largest city. It sits facing the South Atlantic Ocean. Rio de Janeiro is also the name for Brazil's smallest state. The Rio coastline stretches for 635 kilometers and includes numerous beautiful bays: Guanabara, Sepetiba, and Ilha Grande. The beaches in Rio are famous and they are the main reason that people visit the area. Ipanema Beach is for the fashionable and trendy locals. Copacabana is a bit more laid back and frequented by the Cariocas, or locals from Rio. A bit further south is Leblon and a quieter region of the beach. Arpoador is an area that is claimed by the surfers between Ipanema and Copacabana. And finally Armação de Búzios, which was made famous by Bridget Bardo. Forming a backdrop to the beaches is the Tijuca National Park which includes the famous icon of Christ the Redeemer sitting atop the Corcovado mountain.